CEBU'S ELPA WINS 2ND PLACE IN MS. CHINATOWN PHILIPPINES PAGEANT
Cebu’s bet, Warrior Princess Angela Nicole Elpa, in the prestigious Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines pageant earned the first runner-up crown. She also bagged the awards for Best in Talent, Ms. Fitflop, Best in Long Gown and Ms. Photogenic. Not just a pretty face, Elpa is also a campus leader and a black belter. Zup gets to know Elpa in an interview.
I think it’s the fighting spirit of a Cebuana and the resilience of a Chinese. I think these are my advantages over those from the other provinces and from the capital. ANGELA NICOLE ELPA Beauty Queen
Cebu’s definitely one big Chinatown, and it’s no doubt that we’re home to the country’s brilliant Chinoys that molded the country as to what it is now. And just recently, Cebu’s one and only female bet to the prestigious Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines pageant held recently at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Manila just won the crown as Miss Chinatown Philippines 2017 first runner-up. She also bagged the Best in Talent, Ms. Fitflop, Best in Long Gown and Ms. Photogenic awards. She’s not just a beautiful face as this young lady is also on top of her class, a campus leader and a black belter, among other admirable achievements. Zup gets to know this #WarriorPrincess Angela Nicole Elpa and her exciting experience in joining a pageant that the Filipino-Chinese community in the country always looks forward to. Ms. Photogenic awards, thanks to her training from Stylefirm Mentors and Muses Camp headed to Cebu’s beauty queen maker Dexter Alazas.
What was your experience joining the Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines 2017 like?
Angela: Joining Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines 2017 was very challenging for me because it was my first time to join a national pageant. But thankfully, God has sent me people who love me and supported me all throughout the pageant, and it definitely made me feel comfortable and confident in facing all of the challenges. I was very scared but at the same time I was very happy to be part of it because it opened a lot of opportunities for me. Winning first runner-up was not easy, because I am a graduating student. I have to balance everything because I am also maintaining my Dean’s List status.
What was your most unforgettable experience in the pageant? How was it being from Cebu and having to go back and forth to Manila for the duration of the competition?
Angela: It was really hard for me, it was also very taxing. There was also a time when I did not go to sleep and went straight to the photo shoots and rehearsals for the whole day; all of these while paying attention to my academics as I have to study for my weekly exams and do my assignments, which I need to finish. It was a very stressful experience, but it was fun.
Why the hashtag #WarriorPrincess? What makes this special to you?
The Warrior Princess hash- tag is very close to my heart because I believe that I am a princess in my past life. But honestly, there are three solid reasons why I chose this hash tag. First of all, I am from the University of San Carlos, and we are called Warriors. Second, I am a black belt taekwondo player. And lastly, I am generally a warrior in life because I strive hard to achieve my dreams and be successful in everything I do. I always strive for greatness because I only want the best for me and for my family.
What can you say about the winning advantage of Cebuano Chinoys in competitions such as this? What can you say about the Filipino-Chinese Community in Cebu in general?
Angela: I think it’s the fighting spirit of a Cebuana and the resilience of a Chinese. I think these are my advantages over those from the other provinces and from the capital. It positively enabled me to not feel intimidated and to not give up even though I had a very hectic schedule throughout the competition.
What are the next steps after winning the first runner-up crown in the Miss Chinatown Philippines 2017 pageant?
Angela: I promised my parents that I will finish my studies with flying colors. I will also continue to do volunteer work so that I will be able to implement my advocacies little by little.
What’s your message to all Cebuanos, especially the new breed of Filipino-Chinese in Cebu?
Angela: My message to the young Cebuanos, especially to the youth of the Chinoy Community, is to always be courageous and to always be kind. You should always have the courage to reach all your dreams despite the challenges that come your way. Also, always be kind to all of the people you meet because you will never know how these people may be able to help you in reaching your dreams. Always bring these two things with you: courage and kindness. With these two, you will never go wrong.